Despite the objective quality of the narrative [in Child of Fire], both the story and the characters lack dimension; and even if the author is aware of the historical, psychological, and linguistic elements of the Southwest, he fails to arouse a genuine interest in his hero. There are a few bright spots in the realistic scenes of bull fighting and cock fighting; but, in general, the offhand manner of the style only adds to the banality of the story. (pp. 695-96)